GOP Maneuver Blocks Obama on Recess Appointments

If President Barack Obama is tempted to make any appointments — Elizabeth Warren, in particular — during Congress’ Memorial Day vacation that’s not going to happen, Politico reports. Warren is Obama’s choice to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

With Republicans threatening to prevent the recess, the Senate will be in “pro forma session,” Senate leadership aides said. A senator from Virginia or Maryland will open and close a brief session during the holiday period, though no proceedings will take place.

The president’s choices for top executive branch positions are subject to Senate approval. But the president is permitted to make temporary appointments during a Senate adjournment.

Liberals had hoped that Obama would use a recess appointment to install Warren, whom many Republicans oppose, as head of the consumer agency.